Man claims he was sleep-walking when he fondled girl, 12

A Fayetteville man has been charged with sexual battery in an incident involving a 12-year-old female relative.

Ciro Martinez-Montes, 28, of Jefferson Avenue, was charged with two counts of sexual battery, according to Fayette County Jail records.

Fayetteville Police Department spokesman Mike Whitlow said the incident occurred when relatives from out of the area were visiting Martinez-Montes’ home earlier in the summer.

The 12-year-old girl soon after the incident alleged that Martinez-Montes had fondled her during the visit, said Whitlow.

Detectives began the investigation and were told by Martinez-Montes that he had been sleep-walking and thought the physical contact was with his wife, said Whitlow.

Martinez-Montes was subsequently charged, Whitlow said.